Hooked on Cooked and Co.

I’ve developed a new addiction. Enticing aromas, mouthwatering displays, and heavenly flavors that combust like fireworks in your mouth, have me completely hooked. I can’t get enough, and I know I’m not alone. I’m talking about the charming gourmet eatery called Cooked & Co. (The Nutella Muffin is to die-for, but we’ll get to that a little later.)

Cooked & Co. opened its doors in mid-April of this year, infusing some much needed “zest” back into our town’s culinary scene. Herb Lindstrom, Melissa Iscaro, Denise Ruggiero and Christian Petroni are partners in this unique and refreshing dining experience, which also mirrors their unique blend of gastronomic techniques.

Herb Lindstrom states, “This place doesn’t work unless we’re all together. We each bring something essential to the table.”

Food is truly a culinary art to this fun-loving foursome. And, you immediately feel that sentiment once you walk into Cooked & Co.’s beautifully designed space. It has a meticulously rustic feel, which is warm, inviting and elegant. You feel as though transported to an enchanting provincial European eatery, without the hassle of travelling and the high expense. I’m sold.

Herb Lindstrom and Melissa Iscaro

After working at one of Scarsdale’s food and catering staples, Standing Room Only, for seven years, Herb decided it was time for a place of his own. He credits his time at SRO with providing endless amounts of inspiration and business acumen. It’s also where he met Melissa and Denise, and knew that when he went out on his own, it had to be with them.

The final ingredient to their masterful partnership came when Melissa introduced Christian into the group. Christian had been the Executive Chef at Peniche, and then Chef Partner at Barcelona before joining Herb, Melissa and Denise.

The four of them skillfully combine their mutual love of food, cooking aesthetics, and heartfelt desire to “feed the soul.”

“There’s nothing like seeing someone trying your food, and then going ‘Wow.’ We live for that,” says Herb.

Well, “Wow” is exactly what I exclaimed after inhaling one of Cooked & Co’s original creations. Their “Nutella Banana Muffin,” which has become something just short of iconic, is out-of-this-world-heavenly-orgasmic. Multi-orgasmic, actually. No. Joke. And, that’s exactly what I told the crew at Cooked & Co. too.

The now infamous “Nutella Banana Muffin” was a genuine collaboration of Cooked & Co.’s daring foursome. And, a true representation of how the four consistently work together.

The Nutella Banana Muffin

The next day, they were all standing around, still focusing on their new creation, when Melissa suggested roasting some hazelnuts and adding that into the mix as well. Excitement bounced from one to the other, until someone exclaimed, “Let’s punch a whole in the middle and pump it up with Nutella!” Excellent.

And, voila`…the “Nutella Banana Muffin” is born. (Unfortunately, my hips and thighs are not so thrilled.)

But, don’t get me wrong. Cooked & Co. has something gourmet for everyone. I happen to be a particular fan of their roasted eggplant Panini. It’s now my once-a-week special lunch treat. Yum.

There are plenty of deliciously dietetic options to choose from as well. They do a turkey and veggie burger that is phenomenal, and “can’t be made fast enough.” In the mood for Italian, but want to watch your waistline, try the healthy chicken parmesan dish.

Christian Petroni Putting on the Final Touch

Feel like you want to spice up your evening, go for the tequila BBQ chicken and short ribs. Just, make sure you don’t forget their delicious corn salad. Or, perhaps you feel like a little comfort food. I suggest the meatloaf, which contains a sinful blend of cheddar cheese, bacon and onions. And, I’m only mentioning a couple of items. So, obviously, you get the idea.

If you happen to be organized and want to plan your meals for the week ahead of time, Cooked & Co. offers a great service. Get on their mailing list for regular menu updates. You can place your order online, and can either pick it up in-store, or for an order over $50.00, they’ll provide delivery. Pretty great.

Loyal local patron, Kim Cyzner, definitely thinks so. She took a cooking class with Herb a couple of years ago, and still orders from Cooked & Co. When I asked Kim how she feels about their food, she gave me a cheeky smile, and simply stated, “Well, it definitely beats my cooking.”

Well said, my friend. Well said.

Cooked & Co.
128 Garth Road, Scarsdale, NY.
Store hours; Monday through Friday 10:00am – 8:00pm, and Saturday 8:00am – 3:30pm.
Closed on Sundays

Denise Ruggiero Making the Famed Muffins

Contributor Sharon Lippmann, writes about her "so called suburban life," as a proud resident of Scarsdale, NY. She is a writer, blogger, mom, wife, daughter, sister, friend and one sassy chick. She loves exploring the interesting, strange, perplexing, vexing, ridiculous and funny that life offers up frequently. Enjoying more of what she has to say about nothing, and, well, everything at mydailypill.com.